GAZETTE NOTICE NO. 11610

PURSUANT to regulation 21 of Environmental (Impact Assessment and Audit) Regulations, the National Environment Management Authority, (NEMA) has received an environmental impact assessment study report for the implementation of the proposed Nairobi transmission ring project. The proposed project involves construction of an electricity transmission line and new sub-stations which includes: Suswa-Isinya 400 kV transmission line Suswa 400/220 kV substation Thika road and Ngong 220/66 kV substations The proposed Suswa 400/220 kV substation is to be located near the Suswa township on a 100 acre plot. The proposed 220/66 kV Ngong substation is to be located just behind the wind turbines near the Savannah Restaurant and campsite at the foot of the Ngong Hills. The proposed 220/66 kV Thika Road Substation will be located opposite the Kenyatta University within Gicheha Farm. The following are the anticipated impacts and proposed mitigation measures: Possible Impact Mitigation measures Impact terrestrial flora and fauna Mark out areas for clearance and use manual method of clearance. Undertake selective clearance by removing tall woody species leaving saplings, for quick regeneration of vegetation along the wayleave. Prevent colonization by invasive species. Impact on water bodies and aquatic flora and fauna Minimise clearance and disruption to riparian vegetation and habitat. Soil erosion, air quality, water quality, health and safety Avoid steep terrain during the transportation of construction materials by using alternative routes or use light vehicles where appropriate. Prevent surface water run-off over disturbed earth draining to water bodies THE KENYA GAZETTE 23rd September, 2011 3660 3660 by redirecting flow. Pave permanent access roads to prevent erosion. Erect traffic warning signs in the local language. Set and enforce speed limits for construction traffic using access roads. Air pollution (dust, fuel emissions), occupational health and safety, nuisance to local community Control speed of construction vehicles. Prohibit idling and over revving of vehicles. Water should be sprayed during the construction phase on dusty excavated areas. Regular maintenance of plant and equipment. Health and safety land quality, water quality Provision of bunded, lockable storage areas. Suitably trained personnel only to dispense and work with hazardous material. Provision of suitable PPE. Immediately clean up spillages. Keep health and safety data sheets to hand. Health and safety Temporarily or permanently cordon off work sites to prevent public accessing work areas. Soils extracted for the excavation of towers to be used for backfilling and should not be left exposed to wind or water for long periods. Supply and use of PPE including safety shoes/boots, gloves for mixing cement, dust protection during dry and dusty conditions or when working with hazardous materials. Close excavations for pylon foundations as soon as possible and/or provide guarding Workers should always wear PPE and carry first aid kits. Enhanced security measures when working near wild animals. Workers working at height to be suitably trained and provided with appropriate PPE including harnesses. Solid wastes, All solid wastes from work sites the camps such as metal, papers, food should be collected centrally, removed regularly and disposed of to designated waste disposal sites. Liquid wastes All camps will have sanitary facilities for its workers including proper pit latrines located away from water bodies and groundwater supplies (wells). The full report of the proposed project is available for inspection during working hours at: (a) Director-General, the National Environment Management Authority (NEMA), Popo Road, off Mombasa Road, P.O. Box 67839–00200, Nairobi. (b) Permanent Secretary, Ministry of Environment and Mineral Resources, N.H.I.F. Building, Community, P.O. Box 30521, Nairobi. (c) Provincial Director of Environment, Nairobi Province. (d) Provincial Director of Environment, Rift Valley Province. The National Environment Management Authority invites members of the public to submit oral or written comments within thirty (30) days from the date of publication of this notice to the Director-General, NEMA, to assist the Authority in the approval process of the project. B. M. LANGWEN, for Director-General, MR8054787 National Environment Management Authority.